The NBA has officially approved the sale of the Boston Celtics to a group led by Bill Chisholm for a staggering $6.1 billion, marking the highest price ever paid for a North American sports team. The approval comes five months after the deal was initially agreed upon, with the transaction expected to close shortly.

Chisholm, the co-founder and managing director of Symphony Technology Group, will take over controlling interests in the franchise, although current CEO Wyc Grousbeck will remain involved in team operations until the end of the 2027-28 season. However, under the terms of the agreement, Grousbeck will relinquish his required ownership stake, prompting Chisholm to assume the role of governor for the team.

The Celtics, renowned for their rich history and record 18 championships—most recently won in 2024—were previously acquired for $360 million by Grousbeck and Steve Pagliuca in 2002. Despite the historic sale, reports indicate that Chisholm, a lifelong Celtics fan, and Grousbeck plan to collaborate in running the team moving forward.

This sale highlights the lucrative nature of NBA franchises in today's market, following a record-breaking $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year. The Celtics' new ownership aims to build upon the team's storied legacy and continue their pursuit of championships in the competitive landscape of the league.